Ongiin Monastery

Known in Tibetan as “Gundjambaaling” (“The Place of Universal Generosity”), the monastery was built between 1760 and 1810 by the esteemed monk Ishdonlhündev and his disciple, Lama Damtsagdorj. At its peak, the monastery consisted of 28 temples and housed over 1,000 monks. It served as a major center for Buddhist philosophy, tantric practice, medicine, and mathematics.

The complex included several major sections, collectively known as the “Three Monasteries of Ongi,” including the Hoshuu Khural Monastery, the right-wing Khutagt Lama Monastery (with nine temples and a blue-brick enclosure), and the left-wing Khamba Damtsagdorj Monastery (with 13 temples built along the hillside). Constructed on terraced cliffs, the monastery formed a vast architectural complex resembling an ancient city.

During the political purges of the 1930s, the monastery was destroyed, leaving behind dramatic ruins that remain as a powerful reminder of its past grandeur.

TRAVEL TIPS

Walking & Exploration:
Visitors can walk freely among the ruins and climb to the hilltop stupa, which offers a panoramic view of the Ongi River and the entire monastery complex.

Accommodation:
There are several tourist camps near the site, making it an ideal overnight stop when traveling toward the South Gobi region.

Nature & Photography:
The riverbanks, reeds, and rocky formations provide excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Respect & Preservation:
Visitors are encouraged not to disturb or move any historical stones and to preserve the natural and cultural integrity of the site.